Acknowledgment vs. Jurat: What’s the Difference?
“Acknowledgment or jurat?” is one of the first questions you may hear when meeting with a notary.
Although both involve verifying a signer’s identity, they are different notarial acts with different requirements. Understanding the basic distinction can help you arrive prepared.
What is an acknowledgment?
With an acknowledgment, the signer personally appears before the notary and confirms that they willingly signed the document.
The document may be signed before the appointment. However, the signer must still personally appear before the notary and acknowledge signing it.
In an acknowledgment, the notary verifies:
The signer personally appeared
The signer acknowledged executing the document
The notary is not certifying that the information in the document is accurate or legally valid.
What is a jurat?
A jurat is used when the signer must swear or affirm that the statements in a document are true.
For a jurat, the signer must:
Personally appear before the notary
Sign the document in the notary’s presence
Take an oath or affirmation
A jurat commonly includes wording such as “subscribed and sworn to” or “subscribed and affirmed.”
The key difference
The easiest way to remember the distinction is:
Acknowledgment: “I confirm that I signed this document.”
Jurat: “I swear or affirm that the statements in this document are true.”
A jurat must be signed in front of the notary. An acknowledgment may have been signed earlier, although the signer must still appear in person.
Can the notary tell me which one I need?
A California notary cannot choose the type of notarization for you unless the document clearly provides the appropriate notarial wording.
Selecting a notarial act for a customer could amount to giving unauthorized legal advice. If the document does not specify whether you need an acknowledgment or jurat, contact the person or organization receiving the document.
You may also wish to consult an attorney when legal guidance is needed.
What if the document has no notarial certificate?
A notary cannot simply stamp a document without the appropriate notarial wording.
If the document lacks a certificate, you will need to determine which notarial act the receiving party requires. Once you make that selection, the notary may attach the appropriate certificate.
Prepare for your appointment
Before meeting with your notary:
Review the document for notarial wording
Ask the receiving party whether an acknowledgment or jurat is required
Bring acceptable identification
Do not sign a jurat in advance
Make sure the document is complete
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This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. A California notary public cannot select a notarial act for you or advise you about the meaning or legal effect of your document.
